be cut out for somebody/something

be cut out for (something)

To be naturally suited to something, such as an activity or task. I gave it a shot, but I just don't think I'm cut out for ice skating. Dad says I'm not cut out for the military, but I think I can thrive in that environment.

See also: cut, out

be cut out for (or to be)

have exactly the right qualities for a particular role, task, or job. informal

The sense of cut out here is ‘formed or fashioned by cutting’, as the pieces of a garment are cut out from the fabric.

1992 Paul Auster Leviathan Whenever I stopped and examined my own behavior, I concluded that I wasn't cut out for marriage.

See also: cut, out

be cut ˈout for somebody/something

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be cut ˈout to be something

be well suited in character or ability to a person, a job, or an activity: She wasn’t a great journalist. She was more cut out for television reporting. ♢ Why did he join the army? He’s really not cut out to be a soldier.

See also: cut, out, somebody, something